We cannot stress enough how important it is to prep your listing for real estate photography. Not only does this help us capture even better photos, it also makes a great first impression for potential buyers and on you as the agent! In addition to cleaning your property, below are a few of the most important prep tips.
INTERIOR PREP
Remove Trashcans: This includes; trashcans in the kitchen, bathrooms, office space, and laundry room.
Remove Everything From the Kitchen Countertops: The more visible counter space the better. Remember, your potential buyer does not want to see your rotten bananas or air-fryer.
Remove Pet Related Items: This includes; pet food bowls, pet water bowls, pet toys, and pet cages
Remove Hygiene Product In Bathrooms: This includes; toothbrushes, hair brushes, non-decorative hand soaps, shampoos & conditioners, loofas, wash rags, etc. The goal is to have the counters completely cleared off and showers completely cleared out.
Remove Floor Mats In Bathrooms: We suggest removing bathroom mats to not only make the space appear larger but to allow potential buyers to see the bathroom flooring.
Remove Bathroom Bathrobes & Non-Decorative Towels: Unless it's the pretty hanging towel in the bathroom that no one ever uses, please remove all towels. There is nothing that makes a bathroom photo look worse than a sloppy towel hung on the rack.
Put Toilet Seats Down In Every Bathroom (Including The Basement): One of the biggest no-nos in real estate photography is leaving a toilet seat up. Always put your toilet seats down to give your bathroom a fresh and uniform look.
Turn Off & Dust All Ceiling Fans: Turn off all of the overhead ceiling fans as they will appear blurry or warped in the photos. Dusting the ceiling fans is commonly missed and unfortunately is something that is very noticeable in photos.
Replace All Burnt Out Lightbulbs: The more lighting the better. Please make sure to check every room in the home to ensure that there isn't a burnt-out or missing lightbulb. This is especially common in bathrooms and lamps.
Make-Up All Beds: We expect most sellers to know this already, but unfortunately, we've run into this issue more than a handful of times.
Remove Any Holiday Decor: Although holiday decor may make you jolly, it's a huge turn-off and very distracting when visible in photos. This includes; holiday hand towels, figurines, Christmas trees, doormats or rugs, etc.
EXTERIOR PREP:
Remove Outdoor Trashcans & Recycling Cans: We always recommend placing your trashcans and recycling cans inside the garage or somewhere where they will be completely out of sight.
Remove Patio Furniture Covers & Grill Covers: The goal is to make your outdoor space feel homey and inviting. By uncovering your outdoor furniture, you are making the space feel like a space a potential buyer could see themselves relaxing in.
Remove All Vehicles From The Driveway: This is by far one of the most important steps in exterior home preparation. Please either park your vehicles inside your garage or on the street.
Landscape: This may be common sense for many of you, but please understand that your home's curb appeal is your future buyer's first impression.
Remove All Pet Toys & Children’s Toys From The Yard: Nothing is more distracting than big and bright toys thrown around a front or backyard.
Remove All Holiday Decor: Although holiday decor may make you jolly, it's a huge turn-off and very distracting when visible in photos. This includes; string lights, yard signs, blow-ups or yard figurines, holiday wreaths, etc.
We greatly appreciate the time and care to take these steps to make sure your property looks its absolute best!
Check out more tips here.
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